The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
- Name: Matthew Dodds
- Role: Senior Structural Design Engineer
- Location: Sunny Exeter
- Favourite Movie: Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
- Hobbies Outside of Work: Dungeons and Dragons
Matthew Dodds | Senior Structural Design Engineer
Can you give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at Longitude?
I work directly with clients, designing solutions and arrangements to suit a wide range of marine operations. Each project is different, which keeps every day engaging, and it’s rewarding to see designs I’ve created being implemented successfully in the field. Collaboration with both clients and colleagues is a big part of what makes the work exciting.
What inspired you to join your profession?
I am proud of the “design” part in my role. Doing design efficiently is like solving a puzzle where every year I find myself with more clever ideas and experience to use in future projects. I enjoy the combination of technical challenge and creativity and knowing that my designs have a direct impact on real-world operations is very motivating.
Can you share with us something exciting that you are currently working on?
I am helping one of our clients install 10m long extensions on a vessel to act as vessel mooring points. Designing such a long cantilever structure to withstand mooring loads is very technically challenging. It’s rewarding to tackle these kinds of problems, and seeing the project progress from concept to implementation is incredibly satisfying.
Looking ahead, what do you think is key to driving sustainability in your industry?
To drive sustainability in marine operations, we need to design structures that can be reused across a wide range of scopes rather than just for a single immediate task. It’s tricky because no one can predict the future, but planning for flexibility and adaptability in designs is crucial. By thinking ahead, we can reduce waste, extend the lifespan of equipment, and make marine operations more sustainable overall.
Besides work, what do you enjoy most about working within ABL Group?
ABL Group has a strong sense of camaraderie, where everyone wants to help each other improve and grow. I also enjoy the social side – there’s always an opportunity to celebrate a job well done, which makes the team feel like more than just colleagues. It’s a positive environment where collaboration and friendship go hand in hand.
